Lighting Services Blog

Pole Lights

Written by Cooper Clark | Nov 26, 2021

Where you mount your lights is important. This gets complicated in places such as outdoor parking areas where there are no nearby walls to install lights on. This is where pole lights come in, and it's crucial to know as much as possible about pole lights before choosing the type to use. 

Why Pole Lights Are Important  

Naturally, pole lights illuminate when it gets dark. The two most important reasons to use pole lights are safety and security. 

Many motor vehicle accidents and slip-and-fall accidents happen in parking lots or on walking paths, resulting in thousands of injuries per year. Better lighting makes visibility better, which helps prevent some of these injuries.

Further, researchers have asserted that good lighting reduces crime by as much as 30 percent.  Pole lights keep people and their possessions safe at night.

Also, optimally designed and implemented lighting improves the perceptions of consumers who see it. This means visitors will feel more comfortable and confident when seeing or entering a well-lit area.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Pole Lights   

Technology and research have led to many advances in the lighting sector and there are several things to take into consideration when weighing your options for pole lights.

Pole Height and Spacing

Height and spacing are important factors when determining the right lighting design. If your poles are too short, they can disrupt passersby with glare. Too high, and they don't illuminate enough. Experts suggest height ranges from 26 to 30 feet for height, and spacing the equivalent of two-and-a-half  to three times the height. 

Wind Speed

When the next nor'easter comes through, will your pole lights be able to withstand the winds?
The poles for your pole lights have to be strong enough to withstand heavy winds by an EPA rating based on their strength. They should be inspected by a professional who is trained in knowing the requirements.

Bulbs

Since your pole lights will run from 10 to 13 hours each day, they should be as energy efficient as possible. LED bulbs are far more energy efficient than their older counterparts and last much longer
as well.  The type of LED lights you use will depend largely on your needs and lighting goals. From elegant and stylish to robust and industrial, there are always new LED light designs available to choose from.

Installing photocells in pole lights is an option for having the lights come on whenever it is dark, rather than only at the time they are programmed to.

Solar lamp posts are another way to eliminate high electricity bills.

How to Maintain 

Pole lights can be vulnerable to people damaging them with their cars. We at Lighting Services have the ability to maintain pole lights, which includes pole replacement for damaged poles.  Pole lights can also be vulnerable to dirt obscuring their light, and the bulbs sometimes need to be replaced, so your pole lights should be cleaned and inspected on a schedule.  Old pole lamps would benefit from LED replacements for better illumination and a huge savings in energy costs.  We keep a bucket truck on hand to attend to all these needs.

Lighting Services, Inc. knows how important pole lights are to your business, especially in your parking lot and walkways.  When your pole lights need work, contact us.